Hutch Kids is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture for children, families, and faculty. Our commitment is not just a philosophical vision but is actively lived out in the following ways within our organization:

For Children and in Our Classrooms

Children are seen, respected, and valued within the context of their family and culture. Each child’s individual identity and cultural background are acknowledged, represented, and celebrated within their classroom communities. The curriculum incorporates themes that promote inclusion and belonging, exploring topics of justice, action, and understanding unfairness in age and developmentally appropriate ways.

For Families

Parents and guardians are invited to share their cultures, beliefs, and experiences, both in relation to their family’s traditions and their expectations from this early learning organization. Parents and guardians deserve transparency and accountability from their child’s educators regarding learning goals related to inclusion and belonging. These goals are aligned with our play-based, research-driven, and relationship-centered philosophy. Teachers will share curriculum details and collaborate with families to define each child’s learning goals. We offer and support opportunities for families to come together as a community or to participate in support groups for mutual support and educational growth. Parents and families are encouraged to reflect on how their personal beliefs, values, cultures, identities, and experiences influence the ways they interact with educators, fellow parents, and the wider community.

For Faculty

All educators are encouraged to reflect on how their personal beliefs, values, cultures, identities, and experiences influence their interactions with children and their approach to organizing the classroom environment. They are expected to engage in continuous learning to support inclusive practices. Teachers will recognize and honor the cultural wealth and expertise of families by forming strong connections with each family, understanding that every family brings unique strengths, and welcoming their contributions to the educational community. Hutch Kids Administration and the Leadership Team will collaborate with the faculty-led Inclusion and Belonging Committee to provide space for all faculty to support one another, foster community and contribute to Hutch Kids’ ongoing institutional growth. Hutch Kids is committed to providing meaningful professional development opportunities that help faculty reflect on and expand their understanding of inclusive, anti-bias, early childhood education. This will help educators draw connections between inclusive values and their teaching practices.

For the Board of Directors

All Board members are encouraged to reflect on how their personal beliefs, values, cultures, identities, and professional experiences influence their interactions with the Hutch Kids community and their role on the Board of Directors. Board members will fulfill their governance responsibilities to ensure that the inclusion and belonging that Hutch Kids values are reflected in board decisions and throughout the wider community. Board members will honor the diverse cultural wealth of the Hutch Kids community, recognizing that all families and faculty offer unique perspectives, and will welcome feedback as an opportunity for growth. Board members will collaborate with the Inclusion and Belonging Manager to ensure that the Board’s operations and practices reflect the values of inclusion and belonging that are central to Hutch Kids.

Our ongoing commitment to inclusion and belonging, as well as our efforts to incorporate anti-bias practices into our curriculum, have been integral to our professional development over recent years. This commitment remains a central element of our strategic plan. We acknowledge that this work is dynamic and ongoing, and as individuals and as an organization, we recognize that we do not have all the answers.

Hutch Kids is firmly committed to building an inclusive, culturally responsive community.